Space as an Area of Responsibility (AOR), Is it the Right Solution
Abstract
United States Commander in Chief Space (USCINCSPACE) has advocated the need to designate space as an Area of Responsibility (AOR) in order for him to have the authority to fulfill his assigned responsibilities. However, upon examining the Unified Command Plan it becomes evident that designating space as an AOR provides USCINCSPACE no additional authority or ability to accomplish his assigned missions of space control, force protection, or conduct space operations. Designating space as an AOR would likely result in undesirable consequences. If space were designated an AOR it could be perceived by other countries as the U.S. intention of militarizing space, constituting a departure from decades old policy of using space for peaceful purposes. This action in turn could then instigate a space based weapons race or complicate the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to space. U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) can best ensure space control by non-space based weapons. Use of these types of weapons would ensure space protection and access for the U.S. and be capable of denying space access to enemies when needed, while avoiding the perception of militarizing space. To enhance USCINCSPACE's ability to meet his responsibilities, he needs the authority to better manage space personnel and space assets. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) provides an ideal model that USSPACECOM should implement to achieve this. If implemented, it would give USSPACECOM the unique authority to manage space orientated personnel careers. It would also give him the authority to execute his own budget, providing increased authority to shape space forces, insure interoperability and provide the best possible space support to the war fighters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363149
Entities
People
- Aaron L. Cudnohufsky
Organizations
- Naval War College